Senior Communications Business Partner

Department of Education; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Communications Business Partner to lead integrated communication strategies for major projects and initiatives in the Strategic Communications and Content Unit. You will provide high‑quality advice on content, timing, presentation and channels, working with internal stakeholders and senior leaders to shape messages and mitigate risks.

This fixed-term, full-time role runs until 16 April 2027 with a hybrid base in Melbourne CBD and

Qualifications

• Desirable tertiary qualification in communications, PR, journalism or marketing.
• Mandatory experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and business partnering in government or similar complex organisations.
• Experience providing communications advice to senior leaders and partnering with areas to deliver plans across channels.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to provide authoritative and contemporary strategic communications advice.
• Develop and deliver communication strategies and plans aligned with business objectives.
• Build relationships to identify opportunities, manage issues and engage stakeholders.
• Create clear, high-quality materials including key messages, briefs and content.
• Coordinate activity across teams and channels and advise on risks and opportunities.
• Manage competing priorities and adapt to changing needs, including after-hours work when required.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in communications or related discipline

Job description

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Corporate Services Division, VCAA in the Strategic Communications and Content Unit for a fixed term full-time position.
* Salary: $116,413 - $140,849 (Plus Superannuation of 12%)
* Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (Nov 2026 - 16 April 2027)
* Base work location: Melbourne CBD /Hybrid

Fixed term full time role until 16-April-2027

About the Department

The VCAA is a statutory body responsible to the Victorian Minister for Education, serving both government and non-government schools. In this context, the VCAA is responsible for developing high-quality curriculum and assessment products and services.

The VCAA is a registered foundational and senior secondary awarding body with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). As part of its functions, the VCAA develops policies, criteria and standards for:

• curriculum, assessments and courses for school-aged students
• learning, development and assessments which relate to early childhood

The VCAA develops strong relationships with the government, Independent and Catholic school sector, other national and interstate curriculum authorities, academics in the field, teacher/subject associations and, most importantly, with Victorian educators.

All VCAA employees are expected to perform their duties in accordance with relevant legislation, governance requirements, policies and procedures, safety obligations, the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees, and the Victorian Public Sector Values.

All roles are expected to work collaboratively across teams and functions, build productive relationships, and contribute to shared organisational outcomes.

About the Division

Corporate Services Division

provides enabling services to support the operation of the VCAA with communications, engagement, data and analytics, legal policy, finance, human resources, technology infrastructure and applications.

Corporate Services is focussed on delivering high quality, innovative services and operating as a strong collaborative partner to the Curriculum and Assessment Divisions to support delivery of the VCAAs vision and mission.

The Strategic Communications and Content Unit's multidisciplinary team manages communications strategy, channels and media using a business partnering model to provide support to program areas through high quality, authoritative and contemporary strategic communications advice and materials. The Unit ensures a ‘One VCAA' approach to positioning the VCAA to achieve its vision, mission and strategic objectives, embedding the strategic narrative in every communication and partnering with program areas to develop and implement communications plans that support strategic outcomes.

About the Role

The Senior Communications Business Partner leads the development and implementation of integrated communication strategies and tactical plans to support key projects and initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for providing quality advice and support to internal stakeholders regarding effective communications; including content, timing, presentation, speech, and choosing the right medium for the message.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders and business areas to provide high quality, authoritative and contemporary strategic communications advice that supports organisational priorities, initiatives and change initiatives.
• Develop and deliver best practice communication strategies and plans that align with business objectives, stakeholder needs and organisational priorities.
• Build trusted relationships across the organisation to identify communication opportunities, manage issues and support effective stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the development of clear, high-quality communication materials, including key messages, briefs, content and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate communication activity across teams and channels, providing advice o n risks, issues and opportunities to support consistent and effective delivery.
• Work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs while maintaining the quality and timeliness of output.
• This role may require work outside standard business hours during peak operational periods to meet business requirements.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will have strong project management skills and use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to provide innovative solutions to complex issues. They will be able to build and develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively within a team. They will also have excellent written communication skills and be able to work proactively and independently.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related discipline is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and business partnering in a government, public sector or similarly complex organisation is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience providing communications advice to senior leaders and partnering with business areas to deliver communication strategies, plans and materials across a range of channels is mandatory.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Dave Sheridan via 0403 382 *** or **************@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 29-Oct-2026